FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc.
August 24, 2004
(212)
765-7910
Gwendolyn Quinn
gwendolynquinn@aol.com
Robyn
Ryland-Sanders
gqmediapr@yahoo.com
(August 24, 2004)
Gospel sensation's sophomore effort a collaboration with producers
George Duke, Cedric & Victor Caldwell, Alex Asaph Ward, Antonio
Dixon of The Underdogs, Myron Butler and Josiah Bell
In the wake of an extraordinary 12 months that saw his debut CD, I
Need You Now, hit gold, gospel phenomenon Smokie Norful is preparing
for the release of his second album -- to be titled, NOTHING WITHOUT
YOU -- due in stores October 5. Norful has been busy in the studio
this year. The upcoming album features the fruit of his labor --
soon-to-be classics handcrafted by Norful along with a host of
legendary producers including the multiple award winner George Duke,
who lends the CD’s title track, “Nothing Without You.” Other
producers contributing to the CD include gospel music producer
brothers, Cedric & Victor Caldwell (“Power” and ”God Is Able”), Alex
Asaph Ward (“I Know The Lord Will Make A Way” and “Continuous
Grace”), Myron Butler (“Healing In His Tears”), GRAMMY award winner
Tommy Simms (“In The Middle”), The Underdogs’ Antonio Dixon (“I Know
Too Much About Him”), Percy Bady (“I Understand” and “Worthy”) and
Josiah Bell (“Can't Nobody”). Norful also lent his production skills
to the CD, co-producing the tracks, "I Know Too Much About Him”
(Antonio Dixon), “Can't Nobody” (Josiah Bell), “Healing in His
Tears” (Myron Butler) and “Worthy” ((Percy Bady).
In typical Norful style, the new disc has something for everyone:
from testimonial ballads to foot-tapping, hand-clapping Sunday
morning church. There is a love ballad inspired by Norful’s wife,
Carla, as well as urban-inspired grooves floating throughout.
"The past two years of my life have truly been an example of God's
goodness and faithfulness," says Norful. "I can honestly say that
this has been one of the most rewarding periods of my life --
spiritually, personally, professionally -- and the new album is a
testament of my continued commitment to carry my gospel message of
hope into the world.”
The initial
pressing of the Nothing Without You will be a Limited Collector's
Edition that will include a live video track of the hit single
"Can't Nobody." The Limited Collector’s Edition package will come in
a colored jewel box and will be further enhanced with a link to
www.smokienorful.com. The Limited Collector’s Edition package will
be deleted after the initial production run. Smokie’s EP, Limited
Edition (released last fall), will be pulled upon release of Nothing
Without You.
In addition to his studio work, Smokie has been busy picking up
award statuettes and performing. Over the last year, he has garnered
three of gospel music's Stellar Awards, two of Christian music's
Dove Awards and three Gospel Music Excellence Awards. This past
June, the American Society of Young Musicians (ASYM) –– a non-profit
organization of music and entertainment industry professionals and
advocates committed to nurturing young musicians ––recognized Norful
with its 2004 Favorite Gospel Artist Award. Norful received the
honor at ASYM's 12th Annual Spring Benefit Concert & Awards in Los
Angeles. He also received a 2004 nomination for the BET Awards' Best
Gospel Artist. In addition, he was a featured performer on the 2004
BET Awards broadcast live from Hollywood's famed Kodak Theatre (home
of the Academy Awards) on June 29. Norful joined a stellar
constellation of music and entertainment A-listers at the BET
ceremony including Janet Jackson, Usher and Outkast. In addition to
his foot-stomping performance, the silky-voiced Norful - who was
named the #1 Gospel Artist of 2003 by Billboard magazine – will
embark on a promotional tour in support of NOTHING WITHOUT YOU this
fall (see below for upcoming dates and markets).
###
Smokie Norful Tour Schedule
September 9 Washington, DC
September 10 Washington, DC
September 13 New York, NY
September 14 New York, NY
September 15 New York, NY
September 17 Lisle, IL
September 19 Atlanta, GA
September 20 Atlanta, GA
September 21 Atlanta, GA
September 22 Atlanta, GA
September 26 Philadelphia, PA
September 27 Philadelphia, PA
September 28 Philadelphia, PA
September 30 Detroit, MI
October 1 Detroit, MI
October 4 Washington, DC
October 5 Washington, DC
October 6 New York, NY
October 7 Philadelphia, PA
October 10 Cancun, Mexico
October 17 Los Angeles, CA
October 18 Los Angeles, CA
October 19 Los Angeles, CA
October 22 Memphis, TN
November 7 Memphis, TN
November 14 Wilmington, DE
November 21 Miami, FL
November 28 Perth Amboy, NJ
